The series of images that play over the opening credits of Uruguayan filmmaker Aldo Garays The Wait (La Espera) bring a similar sequence from Lodge Kerrigans masterful Claire Dolan (1998) to mind. Much like that film, the shots of abstract architectural patterns -- in this case consisting of crowded or closed windows of what seems like an apartment building -- cued to ominous music exquisitely set the stage for the physical and emotional milieu of our protagonist.

Naturalistically played by Vernica Perrotta (who also had a small part in Whisky [2004], the other recent Uruguayan release in the U.S.), she is a plaintive young Montevideo resident named Silvia who has been taking care of her sullen, bed-ridden mother (Elena Zuasti) for nearly a decade. Silvia was perhaps socially awkward to begin with, but this obligation has drawn her away from peers and co-workers, and has now created a gulf between her and her mother. But a spate of anonymous love letters end up arousing some hope within Silvia, and she starts to look forward to them after slaving away at a local textile factory all day. Meanwhile, she also strikes up a relationship with a young man but isn't sure how to deal with it considering the state of her mother.

Inspired by a Henry Trujillo novel called "Torquator," The Wait is a morally and emotionally complex film which deals with its subject matter with as much subtlety as possible. Formally, Garay -- who was only 33 when the film premiered -- and his DP Diego Varela exhibit an Agns Godard-esque spatial sense around the characters, imbuing them and the film with a graceful and tender realism. In this 65-minute film, which was reportedly shot for only $70,000, Garay isnt quite able to do justice to the films third major character -- the duos equally morose middle-aged neighbor (Walter Reyno) whos perhaps connected with them in more ways than one -- but The Wait is an assured and economical effort promising a bright future for its director.

Grade: B
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*The film made the rounds of mostly second and third tier festivals (San Sebastin, Bogota, Miami, etc.) back in '02-'03 before disappearing into oblivion. It has been partially brought back by U.S. DVD distributor Cinematica, which is associated with Facets.
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Hmm, it`s interesting to see such small pictures pop out on DVD every once in a while. In Germany you also have some labels who take a small risk with an unknown film every now and then.
You certainly make the film sound intriguing.
DO you happen to know any other films from Uruguay. I was just wondering if anybody knew something about its filmindustry and history?

Uruguay never quite had a "film industry"; just the odd effort here and there. Though in recent years co-production opportunities have opened the door for aspiring filmmakers, and many films have been produced. Juan Pablo Rebella (who recently passed away) and Pablo Stoll's 25 Watts broke out on the international stage a few years back. Their recent effort, Whisky, which I mentioned in my review, also did very well. Aldo Garay, the director of The Wait, earlier assisted lvaro Buela (Una forma de bailar). Marcelo Bertalmo is another promising youngster. Older artists like Beatriz Flores Silva (En la puta vida) are still around.